Zen is a state I just can’t relate to. Anxiety and stress are my playgrounds. But I think the closest I’ve ever gotten to zen would have to be arriving at Larchmont Wine and Cheese to find a sign reading, “Out of bread. No more lunch service today.” This sign goes up every day. But this was my first time being confronted with its horrific message. Now I didn’t reach zen immediately. No, no. My immediate reaction was anger, bargaining, and all the rest of the states of grief. But after several Xanax and a night of weeping, I came to this conclusion: the fact that they run out of food is EXACTLY what makes them so good.

Fall Out Boy doesn’t run out of songs. Mike and Molly doesn’t run out of episode ideas. We don’t run out of bad pop culture references. Because unlike us and Pete Wentz and the Mike and Molly writers, Larchmont Wine and Cheese is committed to quality. There’s no store of extra bread or freeze dried meats and cheese. Simply put, there is no way they’re serving you a sandwich that isn’t f*cking perfect.

Operating from the back counter of a small wine and grocery store, Larchmont Wine and Cheese has both one of the smallest and greatest sandwich menus in Los Angeles. You pick your meat and they craft the perfect sandwich from there. The meats and cheese are cut on the spot and placed on to their fresh baguette or ciabatta. On top you’ll get a cheese pairing, along with greens, tomato, oil and vinegar, and for certain sandwiches, tomato spread and olive tapenade. That’s it. Everything is perfectly crafted to show off the ingredients. Ingredients so fresh that sometimes they’ll drive you nuts by running out of them.

Food Rundown

Soppressata Salami

Choosing between this and ciabatta isn’t a choice. This baguette is crispy and flaky on the outside, giving the sandwich a nice crunch while still holding it together. And unlike the ciabatta, this bread is never the center of attention. It lets the meats and cheeses shine.

Jakob Layman

Sandwich #5

The #5. Paired with some mozzarella, arugula, oil and balsamic, this is the perfect salty treat. Add on the sun-dried tomato spread and olive tapenade if you’re looking for an even fuller flavor.

Sandwich #4

The #4. Tender, fresh cut turkey piled high. Deli turkey can occasionally end up a little dry in a sandwich, but the tomato spread gives this the perfect level of juiciness.

Jakob Layman

Sandwich #3

The #3. Salami is generally so thinly cut that no one would be dumb enough to pile it high enough to make it the centerpiece of a sandwich. Larchmont is dumb enough. Thank you, Larchmont.